Head of School

Head of School | Dan y Coed School, Swansea Salary: £50,000 - 55,000 per annum + Teachers' Pension Scheme and company benefits Contract: Permanent | Full-Time An exciting opportunity to make a real difference Dan y Coed School is seeking an ambitious, experienced and passionate Head of School to lead our specialist education provision in Swansea.

We currently support 25 pupils, with a maximum capacity of 30, providing a small, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are looking for a highly visible, hands-on leader who leads by example, is actively involved in the daily life of the school and is passionate about raising standards in teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.

About the Role

As Head of School, you will lead the day-to-day educational provision, with a strong focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning, developing staff and ensuring the school consistently meets the Welsh Independent School Standards. You will report directly to an Executive Headteacher who oversees two schools in Swansea, providing you with regular, in-person leadership support, guidance and collaboration.

This is a hands-on leadership role within a supportive structure, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact while continuing to develop your own leadership experience.

Key Responsibilities

Drive improvements in teaching, learning, curriculum delivery and pupil outcomes. Maintain a strong presence in classrooms, modelling excellent practice, coaching staff and ensuring consistently high expectations. Ensure compliance with the Welsh Independent School Standards and maintain high levels of inspection readiness.

Lead, support and develop staff, creating a positive culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Promote excellent safeguarding practice and a safe, nurturing learning environment. Ensure consistent, effective approaches to supporting pupils with ASD, SEMH and complex behavioural needs. Work closely with the Executive Headteacher and wider multidisciplinary team to deliver the school's improvement priorities.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a confident, approachable and motivated leader who has: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in educational leadership. Strong knowledge and practical experience of working with pupils with ASD and SEMH. A proven ability to improve teaching and learning and support staff development. A sound understanding of safeguarding, school improvement and regulatory compliance.

A visible, proactive leadership style, with the confidence to challenge, support and inspire staff. The ambition to develop professionally within a growing specialist education organisation. Why Join Us? Competitive Salary, with access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme and additional benefits in line with our company reward strategy.

A small specialist school, allowing you to make a meaningful difference. Regular, hands-on support and mentoring from an experienced Executive Headteacher. Opportunities for professional development and career progression across our wider group of schools. The chance to shape and improve educational provision for pupils who need it most.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you are an experienced or aspiring school leader with a passion for specialist education and a commitment to improving standards, we would love to hear from you.

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